Classy versus Class Division–The Social Experiment that was Survivor: Cook Islands Tested Well in the End
Classy versus Class Division–The Social Experiment that was Survivor: Cook Islands Tested Well in the End by Roxanne McDonald
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The survivors show more class than class (and race) divisiveness. |
Critics screamed at first that Survivor: Cook Islands was nothing more than another sponsored exploitation of minorities, but the survivors proved otherwise.
The comics panned the “social experiment” that was this season’s Survivor: on Mad TV, for instance, the different tribes (of different races) were given fire-making supplies—one race getting a single match; one race getting water; and the white race getting a full flint, matches, firewood, and fuel kit.
The critics bust Mark Burnett’s chops.
And the biggest sponsors—GM and Coke—back out.
But you know, the actual participants on the show displayed remarkable class and dignity, as well as unconscious and conscious solidarity.
I noticed this in the finale, for instance, when the jury members approached the final three with the intention of asking questions of each to help them decide their final voting.
First, though, consider how the two final men—Ozzy and Yul—decided on the final third: Rather than choose between Becky and Sundra, the men each vote for one woman, so that a tiebreaker will decide the final third survivor. (This may be a cop-out move, but then again, it can also be seen as a most diplomatic way of determining the Final Three.)
Survivor Parvati’s Sex Appeal Lets Her Down
Survivor Parvati’s Sex Appeal Lets Her Down by Roxanne McDonald
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The others were jealous or mistrustful of her throughout the game, but it appears Parvati didn’t have the sexual power she boasted she had to make it to the top three. |
Okay, we should give her some sympathy for having the last name “Shallow”, but Pavarti really was. The female boxer and cocktail waitress from Hollywood California set herself up for a most tragic fall—by boasting she would win with her looks and her feminine wiles.
As girls are allowed to be girls, Pavarti brought on her pretty self from the get-go, and showed her weakness for the hot young cuties in the competition. But mistake number one was when Pavarti confided how she was “absolutely gonna flirt with them, get on their good side,” for, she boasted, “It’s what I do best!”
Whether she was pretending or really weakly “drawn to” Nate, he became her first victim—or so she likely was
thinking. She then had to step up her attitude when the guys were getting all carried away with ruling the camp; and with much self-satisfaction, is so cocky about how the men of the tribe suddenly started acting on their best [male] behavior after bossy J.P. was the fall guy. Pavarti was heard to say how the men were then acting “more manly,” and how “The guys [had] really stepped it up since J.P. [was voted off].”
By about day twenty-eight, Parvati is considered one of Adam’s “harem girls” and is pulling the primadonna act when Sundra teaches her to gut fish by responding with exaggerated girly faces and comments like “eeewwww….” [This, from a boxer?]
“Ultimate Survivor” and “Survivor: Cook Islands” Reunion Shows All We Have Left This Season
“Ultimate Survivor” and “Survivor: Cook Islands” Reunion Shows All We Have Left This Season by Roxanne McDonald
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It should be exciting but is also disappointing that “Survivor” wraps up the best of the reality TV season. |
We made it through “The Amazing Race 10” and said hello and goodbye to this season’s America’s Next Top Model. All we have left this season, this year, really, is the two-part “Survivor: Cook Islands” finale—the declaration of the “Ultimate Survivor” and the reunion show, where, hopefully, we get to see America’s Favorite Survivor, too.
I wasn’t as engaged as I could have been for this season’s “Survivor”, as I usually have to mack onto the most hateful of all players. From Richard Hatch and his nudity to the bikini-clad bitches to Rob Mariano and his
underhanded -ness to that blonde who lied about his grandmother dying, I have been privy to the darkest sides of humanity (as it is, of course, edited for TV).
But this season, “Survivor: Cook Islands just barely did it for me in the evil genius department. Not that many of the predecessors were all that genius, but…. Anyway, Jonathan Penner, thirteenth Survivor voted off the island, just barely came close to being the one we need to hate. He was mutinous, had no integrity, etc., etc..
The remaining survivors are just not all that worth backing—or betting on, if that’s your thing. They seem fairly reserved, save for Adam, whom I respect for being utterly honest, and Ozzy, who is as direct as he is blunt. I just don’t have a need to get all dressed up and celebrative on the final night, peeing in my pants in anticipation over whether my chosen favorite will win so I can cry and scream as if 1) I had something to do with the outcome or 2) I have any benefits coming to me for being related to the winner in some way. I didn’t and I don’t, I’m just a TV reality fiend.
Maybe as Shane of Reality TV says, Adam and Parvati will safely sail into the final three. Maybe Yul is obviously safe now and will make it safely to the final three and then take the final prize.
Then again, maybe under-the-wire flier Ozzy will swoop in and surprise em all.
Nate Gets Close to Capturing the Nasty Man’s Persona: Calls Jonathan a “Ca-ca Head”
Nate Gets Close to Capturing the Nasty Man’s Persona: Calls Jonathan a “Ca-ca Head” by Roxanne McDonald
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Nate pegs the personality of Survivor’s villain—almost–just in time for his exit. |
The man has been found out as an actor; he has been exiled as much as they can exile a person; and he has finally been voted off. But as we all know, technically, the show has been over for months now, and while they are keeping mum about who won, the interviewed evictees are speaking some heavy truths.
Nate Gonzalez, voted off Thanksgiving week because of the mutiny by Jonathan Penner (not his first back-stabbing effort by any means), Nate was invited to interview with TVGuide.com. In response to the interviewer refrerring to the swing vote that caused his torch to be snuffed, and a description of Penner as “that sneaky Jonathan,” Nate rephrased with “that sneaky ca-ca head.”
Known for his blunt speech on the island, however, I wonder if the “ca-ca” wasn’t a bit more graphic, a bit more angry adult…as Nate would of course be justified in using.
Don’t worry, man, Jonathan was chastised, confronted, and booted where the ca-ca belongs…. On episode 13, the men and women caught on, or stopped letting him get away with the Janus act: at one point, he is called a “disgusting rat” (and they likely know rats over there in Cook territory); at another, he is given the “cancer”
moniker. Then, at tribal council, when Jeff asks Parvati why Jonathan was elected to go to Exile Island, she very curtly says, “Strategy;” when he asks Ozzy whether it was nice without Jonathan around, Ozzy nods that it sure was; and while Ozzy also adds it is just that Jonathan has a very “strong” personality, which is a weak description for a snake, Adam speaks more definitively (speaking for all of them about to kick his ass out of there—finally), saying that 1) no one wants the guys around (gee, could this foreshadow their voting?), 2) there are six others who deserve to be there, and 3) to Jonathan, who has asked why he doesn’t also deserve to stay on the island, “It’s just your integrity…you don’t have any.” (more…)
What was with that Reward Challenge on Survivor: Cook Islands?
What was with that Reward Challenge on Survivor: Cook Islands? by Roxanne McDonald
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I’m no expert, but was that two on one reward challenge, in and of itself, fair? |
Survivor has held the idol for reality TV show challenges, most of which have been original, physically and/or mentally challenging, and oft-imitated. But how was October 19th’s Reward Challenge equitable? What chance did the individual on the pole have against the two aggressors wrestling to yank him or her from the pole?
Let me back up: the challenge was set up, as Probst explains, so that there are three poles on Aitu’s side and three poles on Raro’s side.
To each pole clings a member. (Some sat and held on with all their might; others stood and held on for dear reward.) Opposing team pairs rushed each pole and pried and yanked and throttled (supposedly not allowed)—to remove the opponent from the pole, drag said individual across the marked out sand plot and pull at least one body part over the finish line.
Whichever team successfully displaced and dragged their three victims to home line first was the winner. In this one, the winner was Aitu.
Okay, okay, I get the plan: to stimulate and excite men (and gay or bi women) as they watch the writhing and sweating, as they witness the slip of clothing parts or odd body positionings wherein a crotch opens to the cam or a set of teeth go to a boob or what have you. And I get that the contest was in the speed. I even appreciate how physically grueling a challenge this was, making the reward at the end that much more appreciated by the winners and that much more begrudged and coveted by the losers. (The winners got roasted lamb shanks they got to scarf down in front of the hungry losers at the double tribal council—where both teams had to vote off someone.)
(more…)
Survivor Cook Islands and Other Reality TV Blurring Away Fiction and Nonfiction Lines
Survivor Cook Islands and Other Reality TV Blurring Away Fiction and Nonfiction Lines by Roxanne McDonald
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It has come to our attention that now actors are appearing on reality TV shows. |
How pitiful is this?
We get wannabe stars on reality TV game shows all the time. This season on The Flavor of Love, for example, wannabe singing star Krazy was finally booted ‘cause she wasn’t there for her man but for a record deal. (Ironically, sort of, another reality TV player who didn’t necessarily show inclinations toward becoming famous, BuckWild, as soon as she took a stand against the return of New York and walked off the show, is now a co-announcer on Vh1 between shows, including The Flavor of Love.)
On multiple seasons of The Bachelor,
women were let go because it appeared that they (Jenna, Susan, and others) were there for their close-ups and not for the closeness of the spotlighted man. And even Jack Benza (not his real name) created a performing monster by doing everything the producers wanted and therefore getting asked back on some thirty-plus reality TV shows, has “acted” his way into reality TV history.
And those with such a wish most often do go on to do cameos, to join established shows, even host their own shows. Elisabeth Hasselbeck (with a most musical name, for starters), who strained and struggled and strategized on Survivor: Australian Outback (when she was Elisabeth Filarski), now co-hosts The View with Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, and Star Jones. Ant, the marginal comic on the second (or third?) season of Last Comic Standing does a lot of high profile “acting”, including bringing us “Ant’s Rant”; hosting and narrating (sounding a lot like Amazing Race’s narrator, Al Trautwig) Celebrity Fit Club; and commandeering the U.S. of ANT.
We know, too, that the “reality” of such engaging shows as Survivor is “edited”, shaped to be alluring, addictive, and controversial. Take anything out of its main context and turn it into juicy subtext, and you have all you need for good TV these days.
And we get the lion’s share of MGM and other big names appearing on what will now be forever known as celebreality shows, segments and vignettes and competitions feature everyone from Ted Lange of the original Love Boat series competing to get fit to Danny Bonaduce (need it be said he was the adorable drumming redhead on The Partridge Family—the only kid to have more wisecracks than the legendary comics of the time) starring in his own boxing match with himself.
Be Careful What You Wish for out Loud on Survivor
Be Careful What You Wish for out Loud on Survivor by Roxanne McDonald
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So wishing for some yummy mashed potatoes and gravy is cause for getting eliminated these days? |
Are Survivor contestants running out of authentic reasons to vote someone off the island?
Whilst the ethnic division on the part of the producers is not bringing as much flack as they may have hoped, the boy versus girl theme is running strong. The women conspired to vote off JP last week (week four), to make him an example of how cocky and bossy a man should not be with this group of women. That’ll teach that gender.
So this week, the men are on their best behavior, out-fishing each other, out-firewood-lugging each other, and more…
so the women—whom they realize outnumber them—will think the tribe lost without men.
With no excuse to vote off a man, the Raro tribe is going to have to be a bit more inventive when and if they are fated to go to Tribal Council. They plot against Cristina, who is going the way of JP—not helping enough around camp and instead issuing commands as if she is back home on the police force.
Survivor Astrology–Does it Matter What Sign You Are?
Survivor Astrology–Does it Matter What Sign You Are? by Roxanne McDonald
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Will ethnic origins make a dil-dillio-difference in winning Survivor? Did gender? Did age? Did weight gain or loss? How about planetary alignment assigning one’s fate? |
Maybe next season, if this is not bizarre enough, and since we’ve been through groupings and identification by careers and lifestyles, genders, and ages and this season are seeing the social experiment of Survivor tribes teamed by ethnicities, Survivor could audition for twenty potentials based on (Western) astrology.
Realizing that I am no expert, just a curious individual fascinated by the personal interaction and characteristics of astrological groups, let’s look at this season, based on what we know so far and have been made privy to thus far. (That is, given only the final edits of the show and the information of each Cook Islander’s date of birth, what tendencies point to success, superiority – or attitudes of – and survival as we of TV reality fanaticism know it?)
First, this season there are no Geminis and no Libras.
The absence may be unremarkable, but maybe, just maybe, the absence of the powerful air element of Libras and Geminis might account for the tribe’s being unable to make fire on their own, without flints and other tools.
Further, while there are two Aquarians (often considered the brainiest of the bunch), the Hiki tribe has no air sign, which could also account for their lack of communication in a challenge that was about teams building puzzles – which we would expect would require communication.
And while thoughtfulness is a key attribute assigned to air signs, Libras are also about seeking balance, and maybe balance is not what the makers of the show consider good, challenging, conflicted interpersonal dynamics.
There are five fire signs playing on Survivor this season – two Aries, 2 Leos, and a Sagittarian. Christina is an Aries and the only fire sign in Aitu; Cao Boi is also an Aries,
Survivor is back and is as Fresh as Ever
Survivor is back and is as Fresh as Ever! by Roxanne McDonald
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Some say it is the granddaddy of reality TV shows (though others point to Real World on MTV or to Big Brother as having started the genre, or accuse of popularizing it), and many associate it with ways they themselves survive in the non-island, non-bikinis and starvation life: that is, they say this show teaches them real life lessons. |
Survivor is back for its thirteenth season. The first episode of season began Thursday, September 14, 2006, and brought with it more unique characteristics and characters.
This time, Survivor teams were chosen according to race. So while all the sensitive and pc folks are bubbling and bitching, the reality of racial tension will be exploited to the nth degree. Or will it? Existing dominant features and skills will be exacerbated or highlighted. Or will they? Political, social, and commercial support will sway. Or will it?
Ballsy move, Mark. And clever, calling it a most unusual social experiment.
The four tribes began their journey on a clipper ship where captivating host Jeff Probst told the challengers they were to grab what they could and get off. People grabbed what they could; Jonathan from the Caucasian tribe, Raro, stole a chicken from the Asian tribe, Puka, and the experiment began.
We met the individuals in each tribe (most of whom are gorgeous, built, charismatic, and if none of the above, then bring unique character to the show with histories of refugee flight or mad skills).
In the Latino / Latina tribe are Ozzy, Billy, Cristina, Cecilia, and JP. In the Asian tribe are Cao Boi (pronounced, interestingly, “Cowboy”), Brad, Becky, Jenny, and Yul. In the African-American tribe, Hiki, are (or were) Rebecca, Nate, Sekou, Sundra, and Stephanie. And in the Caucasian tribe are (or were) Adam, Jonathan, Jessica, Candice, and Parvati. (more…)
Survivor Cook Islands Series Premieres on the 14th
Survivor Cook Islands is coming with it’s 13th new season premiere episode on Thursday September 14, 2006 at 8 PM on CBS. by Mike Liebner
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Wow! There have been 13 already??? CBS Survivor is the granddaddy of reality TV shows with a loyal following that keeps on surviving. Rare for network TV shows, but this one is as strong as ever! |
While I must admit I am a recent convert starting with Survivor Thailand myself, I am now as loyal as anyone and rank this as my favorite reality TV show right up there with Big Brother.
If you’re a true Survivor fan you’ll want to tune in to CBS The Early Show as they interview the castaways that were evicted the morning after the episode airs. The first castaway from Survivor Cook Islands will be interviewed on Friday September 15th at 7 AM on CBS.
You’ll also want to check your Tivo or other programming guides because other shows have been known to interview Survivor castaways as well as host Jeff Probst including the Tony Danza Show, Live With Regis and Kelly and the Ellen show among others. Depending on the castaway it can be pretty fun to watch. (more…)
Racially Divided Survivor: Cook Islands premiers on Sept. 14
Are you ready for a Racially Divided Survivor: Cook Islands???
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Sure, why not???
Survivor Cook Islands is just a reality TV show!
And Survivor is a damned good one at that! |
Commentator Tucker Carlson was trying to make a case last night on his show Tucker (why did they change it?) on MSNBC,
that he was terribly offended by the new season of Survivor dividing it’s contestants into tribes, er groups by race. No one else on the panel seemed as offended and Tucker just beat it to a pulp whining about how he will not watch it. (more…)
